28 confirmed cases of H1N1 reported

The Health Ministry has reported 28 confirmed cases of H1N1 for August, September and October this year.

Spokesperson Peni Namotu said that patients had influenza like illnesses and the age group most affected was between 20 to 29 years.

He said that the seasonal flu risk groups are of 65 years of age.

According to Namotu, the surveillance system is in place for both seasonal and pandemic influenza.

Namotu said that H1N1 is now widely circulating in the community and the Ministry expects it to appear in all the divisions.

He said that Health Centres have been alerted to prepare for heighten influenza like illnesses and report any unusual increase of unusual respiratory symptoms in the community.

Namotu said that other pacific island countries like New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Samoa and Kiribati have also reported to have H1N1.

He is calling on people to Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water, avoid contact with people coughing and sneezing, cover the mouth when coughing and sneezing, keep the body warm and drink plenty of water.

Story by: Sneh Chaudhry